The most beautiful part of Markha valley
Markha trek 6: The walk from Thachungtse to Hankar is one of the most beautiful passages in Markha trek. Enjoy here the beautiful ladack scenery. Green fields in the oasis near Hankar contrast sharply with the sharp colorful peaks and above all this throne the ruins of the old fortress (Dzong ). On the horizon tower above the surrounding landscape white peak of Kang Yatse.
Near Thachungtse
The beginning of this stage leads along a narrow, but very steep ridge separating this valley from the next one, where leads the path over the pass Zalung Karpo la and farther into the wild and deserted valley of river Kurna – adventurous and alternative way to Padum in Zanskar.
Canyon with fields
Once the canyon becomes wider in a while, the first green boxes appear. On the horizon is a series of pointy beautifully colored ridges.
Before monumental rock gate
You gradually approach the rock gate in beautiful rough landscape – Markha river had tough work before it broke its way through here.
Rock gate
Just before the confluence awaits you the passage through rock gate. Finally, it is wider than it seemed from a distance, but even so, there is not much space left except for the river.
View of Kang Yatse
After overcoming the rocky gate you will finally get behind the ridge falling eight kilometers directly from the mountain Kang Yatse, which peeks out at you unexpectedly right here again. You are still separated from the neighboring river Langtang Chu flowing here from the pass Zalung Karpo la by the heap of stones and gravel, much like the rest of the old moraine.
The confluence before Hankar
Markha river almost doubled its flow just before Hankar due to side tributary of Langtang Chu.
Only few people walk through this valley over the pass Zalung Karpo la into Zanskar. Those walking through the valley of Markha upstream and plan to take an adventurous crossing into Zanskar, mostly choose the former branch already in the village of Markha and ascent through the valley over the pass Rabrang la.
Hankar Dzong
After two hours walk from the camp Thachubgtse you finally reach the destination of this stage (although probably not the destination of the trek day) – village Hankar (4 030 m asl) – the last inhabited village in this valley.
Hankar
The path gradually rises to a small pass under the fortress and the views are truly breathtaking. All around are the imprints of Buddhism – a lot of chortens and mani walls.
But you can see at first glance that the village´s best years have already passed – a lot of the houses are abandoned. It gradually becomes a ghost village.
Buildings in Hankar
A few inhabited buildings in Hankar are of a typical Tibetan /Ladackh style with flat roofs.
Last view of Kang Yatse
The view of Kang Yatse and another massive unnamed mountain behind it again opens after the ascent to a small pass below the fort.
Those who want to go to Zanskar by a shortcut continue from Nimaling directly through the western slopes of Kang Yatse into a small pass Konka Wongpo and thus avoid this descent into Hankar through Thachungtse.
Markha valley in Hankar
The valley in Hankar full of fields is beautiful. This section is also considered to be one of the most beautiful parts of the entire trek.
Below the fortress
You finally ascent to the fortress, which seems to be almost undoable without climbing skills. Around you are a large number of chortens and mani walls with beautifully worked stones with prayers.
Mani wall
The local mani walls are beautiful. You should pray here as the continuation of the trek at incredible hot weather is slightly devastating.
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